West Midlands Police criticised for Halloween sleeper event in serial killer Fred West's old prison cell

The ghost hunting event - which costs £75 a person - will take place at the Steelhouse Lane lock-up in Birmingham which is now a museum.

Helped by his wife Rose, West raped, tortured and killed at least 12 people between 1967 and 1987. He was held at the Steelhouse Lane jail before being transferred to the city's Winson Green Prison where he hanged himself in 1995.

His wife Rose is serving a life sentence in Low Newton Prison for her part in ten of the murders, including that of her own 16-year-old daughter Heather.

The West Midlands Police advert said: “This event provides a unique opportunity to spend an entire night on a Ghost Hunting Mission within the Victorian Lock Up in Birmingham City Centre on Halloween.

“These cells were occupied by none other than the original Peaky Blinders, Fred West and many more. Be there if you Dare!”

But the event was slammed on Facebook and branded 'highly insensitive' and accused of 'glorifying killers' prompting police to remove West's name from the adverts.

Greg Yates wrote: “What the hell are the cops playing at? I wonder if you get a ‘I survived a sleepover in Fred West’s cell’ T-shirt afterwards?

“Glorifying criminals is possibly the worst look for a police force to have.”

Andrew Tabin added: “Just shows how desperate the police are to make a few bob they’ve resorted to pimping out a murderer’s cell!”

West Midlands Police said the event was being run by an outside organisation to raise money for modern slavery charity Hope for Justice.

A spokesperson added: "On reflection, the organiser of the event has agreed that using his name was insensitive and has therefore removed it from any advertising of this event."

The all-night experience starts at 7.30pm and includes ghost stories and tales about the cell’s most notorious criminals.

Visitors will sleep in 12ft by 12ft cells and are told to bring their own sleeping bags and pillows.

The event is for over 18s only.